Posts Tagged ‘Kim Anderson’

Miracle in Aurora: Petra Anderson Update

Posted: December 16, 2012 in Christianity, Reflections & Musings, Video
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Petra performing the violin

Petra performing the violin

Heart breaking and horrifying events took place in Oregon and Connecticut this last week. It’s a sad reminder that we live in a fallen world. Our country is suffering from decay from within.

Even with all the bad news there is hope. The tragedies of the past week also are a reminder of the recent shootings in Aurora, Colorado. Petra Anderson’s story is an amazing testimony of God’s grace. He miraculously spared Petra’s life. Now she is recovering.

Petra still is on a long journey to recovery, but it’s amazing she’s come so far so quickly. Brian Williams featured Petra’s story on Rock Center this week. I’ve included the video on this link: MSNBC, Miracle in Aurora.

This summer, Kim Anderson, Petra’s mom passed away due to cancer. Chloe and Robert (Petra’s sister and brother) along with Petra have endured more hardship than seems fair.

Our heart goes out to the families that were affected by the shootings in Oregon and Connecticut. Once again it doesn’t seem right and it isn’t fair. I’m sure many wonder where is God in all of this? Yet somehow, someway God is there in their midst. He does give us hope. Petra’s story is one of hope for a hurting people.

God is not dead. We may not understand his ways, but he is working.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither  are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55: 8-11 (ESV)

I know life is tough, and horrible things happen that leave us wondering. Remember friend, God is still on the throne. We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). There is plenty to be thankful for.

I do praise the Lord for saving Petra’s life. I look forward to how he will use her and her family in the future. Her’s is a heartwarming story, and I’m encouraged that MSNBC would cover it.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Moving In: The Journey Continues

Posted: September 9, 2012 in Christianity, Family Happenings, God's Leading, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Dawn & Dave with the San Diego Harbor in the background

Dawn & Dave tired, but all smiles as we move into our new home

Our house hunting saga has come to an end as we found a wonderful house that the Lord provided for us. Yesterday we started moving in! It’s such a relief to have a place to call our home.

In many ways this is just the beginning. The launching of our ministry on the San Diego – Tijuana border. Something we’ve dreamed about for a long time. Praise the Lord for bringing it to fruition.

My legs and back are sore from all the lifting and carrying our belongings up and down the stairs. At times like this I wish we lived in a smaller home, and had less stuff. Yet, I know that the Lord is in the middle of all of this. He is leading, guiding and directing. We look to him. Our prayer is, “Lord, please use us to be salt and light in our neighborhood and the surrounding area. O that many would bend the knee and give their life to Christ.”

I’m bushed from all the physical labor. All the change has made it extremely difficult to get a chance to write. So here it is 11 PM on Saturday night, and I’m carving out a little time. God is good.

On a sadder note, I wanted to let all those who have been following know that Kim Anderson’s memorial service was held today. I feel bad for the family. I saw some of their notes on Facebook, and it’s sounds like it was a wonderful service, but so much heart ache and pain in a short period of time. I was really hoping the Lord would heal Kim. I know ultimately she is in a better place with her savior, but it’s hard on those that love her.

I pray the Lord’s presence will be felt as the family grieves for the passing of Kim. She was a wonderful woman. The Lord used her in the life of my children and countless others.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Seek the Welfare of the City: Short-Term Missions

Posted: August 28, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Bob Bjerkaas with Billy and her daughter Hillary

Bob Bjerkaas with Billy and her daughter Hillary

One of the things that I like about short-term mission groups is that they bring energy and that can be infectious in a positive way. This past week Pastor Bob Bjerkaas from Church in the Canyon in Calabasas, California brought a group of young people to minister with us. Most of the students he brought were Lacrosse players that he coached.

I enjoyed seeing their concern for the people and outreach of Harbor Mid-City Church. As I mentioned in my last post they built a chicken coop for Stephen and Bradford Phelan and their family. They also did a lot of work for Vicente and Billy Salinas and their neighbors.

Vicente and Billy live in an apartment complex in City Heights. Their landlord doesn’t take very good care of the place. It was in need of repair and some TLC. Bob and company got excited about taking on this project. It was so encouraging to see them love on and minister in this way to Billy and Vicente and their family.

Working hard to finish up the garage

Working hard to finish up the garage

On Saturday they were working on paneling and repairing their garage. The group had planned to go to the beach in the afternoon, but they didn’t finish by noon, so they didn’t let up until they finished their work at 3 PM. Wow, I was impressed! Here we had a bunch of high school students with the fun of the beach waiting, but they were committed to getting the project done before they headed out to the beach.

Many thanks to Bob and the group for taking the risk with us to be our first short-term mission team. I thank the Lord for them, and I’m encouraged by how they blessed the church and the community of City Heights!

Dawn and I continue our house hunting. It’s discouraging at times that the houses are so expensive, and even at that often not in very good shape. Please continue to pray for our housing need.

On a sad note, I know many of you have been interested and following the updates on Petra Anderson and her family. Petra’s mom, Kim Anderson went home with the Lord on Monday night. Let’s lift up their family in prayer.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

God’s Healing Work – ReadyToBelieve4Petra

Posted: August 1, 2012 in Christianity, Journey, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Petra performing the violin

Yesterday I ran into Petra’s uncle while my son, Jonathan was getting his tires changed. I was encouraged to talk to him, and let him know that many people are praying for Petra and family. He mentioned not only the importance of prayer, but also of thanks. Thanks for God’s healing work.

He cleared up a few things for me as well. One of them is that Petra was not born with a brain defect that formed a path for the bullet to follow. Nonetheless, it is still a miracle that the bullet missed the parts of the brain that would cause long-lasting, permanent damage, and possibly death. Had the bullet gone one millimeter different in any direction, Petra’s story would be much different. Anderson Cooper 36o explains more about the miracle of the pellet not hitting any areas of the brain that would have caused death or permanent damage.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 Video, aired another good piece on Petra and her family last night. See it here…

No matter how God protected Petra, it’s just amazing. Let us praise our awesome and wonderful God.

Petra is already out of the hospital and in a rehab center. She is doing well as she’s on her way to recovery. They are still hoping she will be able to go to grad school for music composition in the future. We can continue praying for that. If God leads her on another course through this, that He would give her His peace and make that very clear to Petra and family.

Kim, Petra’s mom just went to Houston for some alternative treatments for her cancer. They are hoping that the care Kim gets in Houston will bring about healing. Please join the family in prayer for that.

Here’s a note from Renee Davis, Kim’s sister,

“The most critical things to pray at this point are that the pain will go away (they recommend radiation for local pain then drugs for the systemic issues), and sleep (Kim cant get more than about two hours of sleep at a time due to pain). last night massage and pressure hose helped but even that couldn’t make a difference for long. it is crucial that we are here right now because Kim is rapidly deteriorating…that’s not the right word but I must run.”

The Anderson family has faced tremendous trials in the last couple of years. The recent difficulties are like a crescendo highlighted by the tragic shootings. Yet God is definitely walking with them through the valley and leading them to the green pastures and quiet waters.

In this sometimes dark world it’s wonderful to find hope. God is still ruling and reigning over all. He gives us plenty of reason for hope. Plenty of reason for thanks and praise!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

ReadyToBelieve4Petra – God’s Purpose for Kim

Posted: July 27, 2012 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Kim & Petra Anderson

Kim & Petra Anderson

Last night NBC News, Rock Center with Brian Williams aired a piece interviewing Chloe and Kim Anderson. As the story is unfolding it is truly amazing what God has done already in Petra’s life. It’s nothing short of a miracle that Petra had this rare genetic defect in her brain, that may have saved her life, and at a minimum saved her from more serious a debilitating injuries.

With so much bad news in the world. Even this shooting, the injuries, the people who lost their lives, it’s heart warming to see God at work even in the midst of a very painful and difficult situation.

After I watched the interviews on NBC’s Rock Center (You can watch it at MSNBC – Rock Center – Chloe and Kim Anderson) last night. I woke up this morning thinking about Kim, Petra’s mom.

Kim has been diagnosed with cancer. The doctors have said that she may only have 6 – 18 months to live. Kim first discovered, she had breast cancer around 2009. They thought they had gotten all the cancer, but it’s come back.

I can’t say that I know all of God’s greater purposes, but I believe that one of them may be that through this tragedy that many would become aware of Kim’s cancer, and lift her up before the throne of grace in prayer. Many thousands maybe even millions are praying for all the shooting victims. This is a huge need.

Petra and her family still need to brought before the Lord daily and often. I would like to use my blog here to highlight the need to pray for Kim’s healing. I don’t know what God will do, but I know that He will be glorified if we unite together and pray for the Anderson family, and lift up the need for both Petra and Kim’s complete healing.

Let’s join together and believe the Lord for what He might do. Jesus said, With man this impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, ESV). God can do the impossible! He created a rare genetic defect in Petra’s brain to save her. He can bring her to full healing, and He can bring full and complete healing to Kim as well.

I don’t know what God will do, but I know what he can do. Join me in lifting Petra and Kim up before the Lord, and asking Him to continue to work miraculously in their lives!

“Dear Jesus, we look to you from your healing touch for Petra and Kim. Touch their bodies, and bring health, healing and wholeness. Thank you for hearing our prayer.”

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

 

The Petra Anderson Story: #ReadyToBelieve4Petra

Posted: July 23, 2012 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, Video
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As more news is coming out about Petra Anderson we are learning that it’s a story of God’s grace. A rare genetic defect, which caused there to be fluid in an area of her brain that normally isn’t there may have saved Petra’s life. Or at least it prevented her from having a more permanent and devastating injury. Read the rest of the story here…

God is so good!

Petra’s family shared the story of God’s grace with channel 9 News:

Chloe Anderson, Petra’s sister shares more about Petra’s story with practical ways you can help. Here are some links where you can go to support Petra and her family:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/andersonfamilyprayers/

https://twitter.com/supportPetra

Check out this video featuring Chloe to learn more about the Petra Anderson Story, and ways you can help her and her family.

The Anderson family has some huge needs right now. We need to lift them up in prayer, and if you are able I would urge you to give towards the medical bills they are facing.

God is bigger than this tragedy, and I trust He will carry the Anderson family as well as the other families affected by the shooting through this. Thanks for caring, and believing God. For we know what is impossible with man, is more than possible with God.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Pray for Petra Anderson – Colorado Shootings Update

Posted: July 21, 2012 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Petra Anderson

Petra Anderson

After a stressful day for family and friends, Petra made it successfully through surgery to remove bullet fragments that were lodged in the back of her brain. Petra’s sister, Chloe said that the doctor was very encouraged about the prognosis coming out of surgery.

Here is Chloe’s report yesterday, when Petra came out of surgery, “She could still talk and move when she went in for surgery which is nothing short of a miracle given that the bullet traveled through her entire head. They were able to get the pellet out of her head and they cleaned the entry place – putting a patch in place so that the “dirty” nasal passages wouldn’t be infecting her brain area. Also so that there wouldn’t be drainage of fluid from her brain into the nasal passages. She is sleeping now – but can still talk!”

Other friends who were with Petra this morning gave very positive and hopeful reports about her progress. The physical therapist encouraged her to get out of the bed, and sit in a chair. She was able to do it. Sounds like they have a great staff at the hospital that are already working with her to get Petra on her way towards recovery.

Wow! It’s so encouraging to see how the Lord is caring for Petra and her family. I’ve had a number of people inquire about Petra. Some have asked how they can help.

Obviously, a huge need to is hold Petra and her family up in prayer. I will list some prayer requests that Chloe shared.

That the antibiotics would keep any infection away so that her brain can heal.

That the pellets in her arm would be naturally discharged by her body without any complications.

For a speedy recovery so that she can attend grad-school as planned this fall for music composition and that this tragedy would be turned into a grand victory as she emerges.

That My mother can get some rest.

That the other families involved would have comfort. Many of them are waiting now to hear if their loved ones are among the fatalities. The Police expect to release names tonight. Pray for the families who will be getting the news tonight (last night).

One of my son’s, David’s favorite verses is Joshua 1:9. It offers a great word of encouragement for us. “…Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (ESV). Why does the Lord encourage Joshua and us to be strong and courageous? We are prone to fear. When the battle, difficulty or trial heats up we often imagine the worst instead of trusting God for the best.

Petra performing the violin

If you would like to follow the Petra’s progress as well as learn more about how you can help the Anderson’s have started a Facebook group called, Anderson Family Prayers, Well-Wishes and Relief. I think this group is an open group.

For those living in Colorado, you may go into any US Bank and write a check or give cash to the “The Kim Anderson Healing Fund”. For those living out of the area you may mail a check or money order to:

The Kim Anderson Healing Fund
c/o
US Bank – Thornton Office US Bank – Thornton Office/ 4301 East 120th Avenue/ Thornton, CO 80233

Here’s a great report on Petra from CBS Sacramento.

Thanks so much for the outpouring of love and prayers for Petra and the Anderson family.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Pray for Petra Anderson – The Colorado Shootings

Posted: July 20, 2012 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Petra Anderson

Petra Anderson

I woke up this morning to the news that there had been a terrible shooting in Aurora, Colorado, which is an eastern Denver suburb. The shooting took place at the premier of the movie, “Dark Knight Rises”. When I saw the news I wondered if anyone we knew might have been there. See story here…

Then my son, David came down with the news that our friend, Petra Anderson had been shot three times in the arm and once in the head. She is now in ICU. The bullet that hit her in the head went through her nose and is stuck in the back of her skull. She can still move and talk. That is good news!

Please join us along with her family and friends in praying for Petra’s healing and recovery. Pray for the Lord’s peace and comfort for her and her family, and loved ones.

We first met Petra through speech and debate. She is one of the most gifted and talented young women we know. She loves Jesus, and is part of a wonderful family! Her aunt, uncle and cousins go to our church, Village Seven Presbyterian.

The Anderson family has experienced more than their share of pain and hardship lately. Petra’s mom, Kim has been battling cancer. Our heart goes out to them.

It’s time to come together and hold them up in prayer as well as all those affected by this tragedy.

Psalm 34 is one of my favorites in times of trials and difficulties.

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

—Psalm 34:17-19 (ESV)

When you read something like this in the news it’s sad and scary, but when someone you know was affected by the tragedy, it really brings it home. Thanks for caring and standing with us and them in prayer.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org